Volcom Stone's VQS Gunnamatta

VQS
Gunnamatta New South Wales
9 February 2008

SHARKS FORCE VQS SHUT-DOWN AT GUNNAMATTA

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 13 February, 2008 : - - Two Great White Sharks seen cruising the shallows of Gunnamatta Beach forced Shire officials to shut down Volcom Stone’s VQS Surf Series event before the finals had even hit the water this past weekend. The sharks were believed to be a six-to-nine meter female and a three-meter pup.

Initially spotted by the Coast Patrol aeroplane, it wasn’t long before the Westpac Helicopter was hovering over the contest bank clearing the water. Competitors and curious spectators alike then watched as the chopper tried to coax the sharks back out to sea, sometimes hovering no more than 30 meters above the surface.
 
After about 20 minutes the onsite lifeguards gave the all clear to re-enter the water. In the interests of public safety, the format was changed, the quarterfinals were completed and the winners decided from combined highest heat scores on count back.
 
It was a bizarre end to a day that saw a record 135 competitors sign up for the Victorian  leg of Volcom Stone’s Totally Crustaceous VQS Surf Series. While the Mornington Peninsula is no stranger to giant man-eaters, it was still a hairy experience for everyone to get sent in by the truest locals of all.

Georgia Fish : photo Jai / Just All Images

With plenty at stake, including qualification to Volcom Stone’s VQS Grand Championships in Sydney in April and a chance to represent Australia at the $125,000 VQS World Titles in May plenty of surfers had their fingers crossed that their earlier heats would get them into the placing’s.

In the grom division and with count-back calculations in place it was all surf coast locals filling the dais.  Mitch Mee in top spot, Harry Mann 2nd and Jamie Powell and Willis Hartigan 3rd and 4th respectively. The girls division was punctuated with exceptional performances. Philip Island’s Nina Van Dijk was first relegating Flinders ripper Georgia Fish to a close second. Nina’s little sister Nikki was third and Hannah Lethlean finished.

The junior division was frothing affair with fresh Victorian talent taking it to each other tooth and nail. West Coaster Todd Rosewell scored an inspiring victory over Tom Allan and Stuart Ferrier with the lone local, Pt. Leo’s Angus Forrest rounding out the qualifiers.

The Pro-Am division was also nothing short of explosive. Previous VQS dominators were out in force including Tom Milledge, Mark “Grubby” Hill, Sandy Ryan, Sean Tuckett, Ryan Stana, Matt Barrett, Caiden Fowler and Shed 9’s Eddie Wearne and all looked capable of making the journey to Sydney.

Frontside air : photo Jai / Just All Images

However nobody could stop aerial master Simon McShane who blew the rip bowl to pieces, punting a clean-as-can-be forehand air followed by a series of re-entries to take the title. Finn Barry, pumped to get to Sydney for the VQS Champs on April 4-5th, took second place and locals Liam Jolly and Tex Walker completed the top 4 positions.
 
Despite the threat of being eaten alive the Volcom’s epic VQS vibe of fun, music, sandcastles and entertainment meant no one went home unhappy. Big thanks to our Volcom Victoria reps for helping out Rambo, Nobby and Emma, friends Mike, Matt and Sarah for lending a hand all day. Parks Victoria for the beach, Jai for shooting, lifeguards Martine and Shanno. Cheers to Selim who ruled on the mic for the day and judges Homer, Pal, Lachy and Liam.

Thanks to all the support from sponsors, parents and competitors alike for making the event such a success and a fun time, see you next time!

With the 07/08 VQS Series now complete there is only the big one left to go. Volcom Stone’s Totally Crustaceous VQS Champs will be held in Sydney on 4-5th April. Winners on the day will then enjoy a Volcom paid trip to California for the VQS World Titles, and a chance at the US$125,000 prize pool up for grabs! Go to Volcom.com for more details and look for the L.T.K.R.F link
 
 
Thanks to our generous sponsors at: ELECTRIC VISUALS; FUTURE FINS; WEST WETSUITS; VESTAL WATCHES; SOLRX SUNSCREEN; FINGERGRIPS; FAMOUS TRACTION; WAVES MAGAZINES; REDBULL

PRO-AM
1. Simon McShane
2. Finn Barry
3. Liam Jolly
4. Tex Walker

JUNIORS
1. Todd Rosewall
2. Tom Allan
3. Stuart Ferrier
4. Angus Forrest
 
GROMS
1. Mitch Mee
2. Harry Mann
3. Jamie Powell
4. Willis Hartigan
 
GIRLS
1. Nina Van Dijk
2. Georgia Fish
3. Nikki Van Dijk
4. Hannah Lethlean

www.volcom.com
www.justallimages.com.au/

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Robbie Warden

VQS Contests - Surfersvillage